Helicopters have been deployed to transport currency from the RBI in Patna to Ranchi.

Finance Secretary Amit Khare, who is overseeing the arrangements with regard to availability of cash in banks, on Friday said: “The Jharkhand government got permission to deploy choppers for bringing currency chests from RBI in Patna. Following discussions with the central RBI control room and other officials, it has been decided to send in two choppers to Patna to bring the currency to Ranchi in the wake of the huge demand.”

He said that two choppers left for Patna around 2.30 pm and were expected to return late evening.

“Adequate arrangements are being made to ensure that the cash is quickly transported to the banks, both in the city and far-off areas, at the earliest possible,” Khare added.

Some ATMs opened in the Jharkhand capital today, but were unable to cater to the huge demand, leaving customers standing in long queues at the banks. The situation was similar in rural areas.

The state government, in consultation with RBI officials, had assured that the ATMs would begin functioning by Friday. They said most of the ATMs were closed today because of delay in reloading them with new notes.